Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

Rauðhólar’s red lava formations give this ride a memorable goal, but the real pleasure is the gentle Icelandic horse beneath you. From the farm outside Reykjavik, you follow hill trails through Hólsmheiði forest, with views toward mountains, lakes, and the city. I like the small groups and the careful horse matching. I also like the warm finish at the hosts’ home, where tea or coffee turns a short ride into a personal visit.

This is a good first ride, not a long expedition. You spend about three hours in total, and the actual time in the saddle can feel brief if you are an experienced rider. The weather is another factor: the tour runs rain or shine, so warm clothing and closed-toe shoes are not optional.

Key points at a glance

• Rauðhólar lava field: Ride to a striking red volcanic formation only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik.
• Horses matched to ability: Beginners receive calm, steady horses, while experienced riders can be given a more suitable mount.
• Small groups of up to eight: The format allows guides to watch riders closely and offer individual help.
• The Icelandic tölt: You get a chance to try the breed’s smooth four-beat gait.
• Personal farm welcome: Viggo and the team prepare the horses, explain the basics, and serve hot drinks afterward.
• Easy Reykjavik transport: Pickup is usually between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, with return in the early afternoon.

Why Rauðhólar makes this ride special

Many horseback rides near Reykjavik take you into open country, but this one has a clear visual prize. Rauðhólar is a field of red volcanic formations shaped by old lava activity. The color and rough rock make a fine contrast with the softer hills, trees, and brush around Hólsmheiði.

You do not need to be a geology expert to enjoy it. The appeal is simple: you arrive on horseback, stop for photographs, and see a distinctly Icelandic setting without spending most of the day in a vehicle. The volcanic area is close to the city, yet the ride gives you room to look out over mountains, lakes, and Reykjavik.

The route also has more variety than a single open field. You ride over hills, pass through the forest, and follow trails around the farm area. That change in footing and scenery keeps the outing interesting, especially for a beginner who may be focused on staying comfortable in the saddle.

The scenery depends on the weather. On a clear day, the views toward the city and nearby mountains should be the main reward. In rain, wind, or winter snow, Rauðhólar takes on a harsher look. That can be atmospheric, but you should book this as an outdoor activity rather than a guaranteed postcard morning.

From Reykjavik pickup to the family farm

Pickup takes place in the Reykjavik area between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Wait in front of your accommodation, in the hotel lobby, or at the stated pickup point. The operator has also called guests when the vehicle was on its way, a useful touch if you are watching for a van in an unfamiliar neighborhood.

The drive to the family-owned farm is short, and the riding area is close to the city. That makes this tour easy to fit into a morning or an early day in Reykjavik. You should be back in the city in the early afternoon, leaving time for a museum, a pool, a food stop, or another planned activity.

The farm setting helps set the tone. You are not simply dropped beside a trail and placed on the first available horse. The team takes time to introduce the animals, adjust saddles, and explain how to interact with them. Viggo, the owner, is often involved in welcoming guests and preparing the horses. Guides including Monika, Adriána, Sarah, Fiona, Viktor, and Pia have also led rides at different times.

Because the group is limited to eight, the staff can pay attention to different comfort levels. That matters when one person has ridden for years and another has never sat on a horse. Several guests have described receiving horses suited to their ability, rather than being expected to manage the same type of animal as a more experienced rider.

A calm start for first-time riders

The tour begins with a riding lesson and safety briefing. You learn how to sit, hold the reins, give basic signals, and respond to the horse before leaving the farm. The guides also explain how to approach and handle the animals.

This is where the tour earns much of its appeal for beginners. The horses are described as calm, friendly, and well-trained, and the guides take time to reassure nervous riders. Adriána has been especially attentive with first-time riders, checking how they are doing during the ride and helping them settle into the rhythm. Monika has also been praised for keeping less experienced riders close to her.

The horses have individual personalities, so do not expect every animal to behave in exactly the same way. Some may be more forward or have more character than others. That is normal with horses, and the staff’s job is to choose a suitable match and keep the group moving safely.

Saddles are adjusted carefully before departure. Helmets are provided, and rain clothing is available. You still need to arrive in comfortable clothes and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and sitting on a horse leaves you exposed to wind and rain. Dress in layers rather than relying on a single heavy coat.

Riding through Hólsmheiði forest

Once everyone is comfortable, the group heads into the hills surrounding Reykjavik. The pace is calm, with stops along the route for photographs and scenery. You can expect to ride in a line, following the guide and the horse ahead.

Hólsmheiði forest adds a welcome change to the open volcanic ground. Iceland is not known for dense woodland, so a trail among trees and brush feels different from the wide, treeless views found on many drives around the country. It also gives the ride a more sheltered section, though the wind may still be part of the day.

The route provides several kinds of views. Look back toward the city, across nearby lakes, and toward volcanic mountains. The guide may explain how Icelandic horses have been used for travel across the country, giving the ride a cultural connection rather than treating it as only a photo opportunity.

Wind can affect the listening experience. One rider noted that explanations were sometimes difficult to hear from the back of the line, even in a small group. If hearing the commentary matters to you, stay near the guide when possible and ask questions during the stops.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s tölt

The Icelandic horse is famous for more than its size and sturdy build. It can perform the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that gives the rider a comfortable ride when the horse and rider are ready for it.

The guide introduces the gait during the outing. You should not assume that every beginner will spend the whole ride tölting. The staff will judge the group’s ability and comfort, and the horses generally follow one another in an organized line. Some riders get several chances to try it, while others may prefer to remain at a slower pace.

For an experienced rider, the tölt is one of the main reasons to choose this tour instead of a standard trail ride. You get to feel a feature of the Icelandic horse that has long been useful for crossing rough country. For a beginner, simply learning to steer, stop, and stay relaxed may be enough of an achievement.

Do not book this expecting an advanced riding lesson or a fast gallop. The activity is designed to suit beginners and riders with limited experience. It offers a gentle introduction to the breed, with room for more confident riders to enjoy the horse’s special gait.

Reaching the red rocks of Rauðhólar

The ride continues to Rauðhólar, the red lava rock area that gives the outing its strongest visual moment. The formations are close to the farm, so you do not lose hours getting there. You ride through the volcanic area, pause for photographs, and take in the color and shape of the rock.

These stops are useful for more than pictures. They give you a chance to relax your legs, check your clothing, and let the horses pause. If you are new to riding, regular breaks make the experience less tiring.

Photography can be rewarding here, especially when the red rock catches low morning light or contrasts with snow. Still, keep your phone secure and follow the guide’s instructions around the horses. The tour provides an outdoor setting, not a formal photo session, although guides have sometimes taken action pictures and videos while riding with the group.

The red rock is not a massive volcanic crater or a full-day wilderness destination. It is a compact formation near Reykjavik. Its value comes from the combination of easy access, horse travel, and a setting that looks different from the usual city sights.

Tea, coffee, and a more personal finish

After the ride, you return to the farm and sit down for hot tea or coffee. This is a small part of the schedule, but it helps distinguish the outing from a basic riding transfer. You can warm up, talk with the hosts, and ask more about the horses and Icelandic riding.

The farm welcome has a relaxed family feel. Guests have been offered hot drinks before or after riding, and some have enjoyed biscuits or other simple treats. The setting also gives you a chance to see the horses again after the ride and notice how clean and well cared for the stable area is.

I like this ending because it gives the experience a human scale. You have time to speak with the people who prepared the horses rather than being sent straight back to town. Viggo’s role as owner and guide adds to that personal connection, while guides such as Monika and Adriána have been singled out for patient instruction and friendly help.

Do not expect a full meal. The drinks are a warm social finish, not lunch. If you need food afterward, plan to eat back in Reykjavik.

What the $191 price gets you

At $191 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Iceland. The price needs to be judged against what is included: Reykjavik-area pickup and drop-off, a small group capped at eight, the horse, helmet, riding instruction, rain gear, the guided route, and hot beverages.

The small group is important. A cheaper ride with a much larger group can mean less individual help and less flexibility when riders have different abilities. Here, the staff can match horses more carefully and keep an eye on a first-time rider who is still finding balance.

The convenient location also adds value. You do not need to rent a car or spend a whole day reaching a remote stable. The ride fits neatly into a Reykjavik stay and still gives you volcanic scenery, forest trails, and city views.

I would consider the price fair for a visitor who wants a personal, beginner-friendly horse experience and values transport. It is less compelling if you already ride regularly and want several hours in the saddle. The listed duration is three hours, and some experienced riders have found the riding portion shorter than hoped.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky, particularly when your Iceland schedule depends on weather. The tour still runs rain or shine, so flexibility does not remove the need to dress properly.

Who should book this ride

This outing suits first-time riders, couples, families with older children, and mixed-ability groups. Children under eight cannot join, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

It is especially useful for a group in which one person is confident on horseback and another is nervous. The horse matching and patient instruction allow both riders to take part without forcing the beginner into an advanced pace.

You should also book it if you want an outdoor activity close to Reykjavik that does not consume a full day. The route has enough variety to feel like a real outing, while the short transfer keeps the morning manageable.

I would hesitate if you want a long, physically demanding ride, a private lesson focused on technical skills, or guaranteed clear views. The group may be small, but it is not necessarily private. The weather can be rough, and the ride remains a shared, guided experience.

Practical details before you go

Wear warm layers, comfortable trousers, and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes matter both around the stable and in the stirrups. Rain clothing is supplied, but your base layers should still be warm and comfortable.

Arrive ready to listen during the safety talk. The team spends time adjusting saddles and explaining how to work with the horses, and that preparation is one of the best parts of the experience. If you are anxious, say so early. The guides can place you with a calmer horse and keep you near them.

Keep your expectations realistic about photographs. The guides may take pictures or videos, but the priority is safe riding and care of the horses. You will have stops at scenic points, yet you should not expect a dedicated photographer throughout the route.

The tour is offered in English, German, and Icelandic. Check the available starting time when booking, since the standard pickup window is in the morning.

Should you book Viking Horses?

I would book this tour if you want a friendly introduction to Icelandic horses, a manageable morning outside Reykjavik, and a small group where the staff can offer real help. The calm horses, careful preparation, red lava formations, and hot drink at the farm make the experience feel more personal than a simple trail ride.

I would choose something else if your priority is a long ride or advanced equestrian work. For most beginners and mixed-experience groups, though, the $191 price buys a well-organized half-day with transport, equipment, scenery, and attentive guidance. Pack warm clothes, accept that Iceland may supply rain, and let the horses set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The full experience lasts three hours, including pickup, preparation, riding, stops, and hot beverages at the farm. You return to Reykjavik in the early afternoon.

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is provided from accommodations in the Reykjavik area. Pickup generally takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Wait in front of your accommodation, in the hotel lobby, or at the stated pickup location.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour includes a riding lesson and safety briefing, and horses are matched to each rider’s previous experience. It is designed for beginners and people with limited riding experience.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants. Smaller groups allow the guides to provide more individual attention and manage riders with different levels of experience.

What is the Icelandic tölt?

The tölt is a smooth four-beat gait of the Icelandic horse. The guide gives you the chance to try it during the ride, depending on your experience and comfort.

What should I wear?

Bring warm, comfortable clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Helmets and rain clothing are provided, but you should still dress for changing Icelandic weather.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight cannot participate. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.